Prisoners of Hate: The Cognitive Basis of Anger, Hostility, and Violence
by Aaron T. Beck

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Book Reviews of Prisoners of Hate: The Cognitive Basis of Anger, Hostility, and Violence

Book Review: Excellent explanation of why hatred & violence exist
Summary: 5 Stars

The extreme nature of the subject makes this book compelling reading. Beck looks at the underlying causes of hostility and hate, in the process showing where the motivation for violence come from.

Within the media and commons sense discourse, individuals and groups that commit acts of violence are simply labelled as monsters, fanatics, evil and so forth. There is no examination as to the question why? Why are these acts committed?

Beck not only shows why, but also presents a simple system using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy techniques. The system is very well explained and easy to understand. Furthermore, it offers real viable answers to the question why? in understanding many forms of abberant/abnormal behaviour on an individual or group basis.

Read this book and take a look at Adolph Hitler, Joseph Stalin, General Suharto, General Pinochet, Pol Pot or any other dictator and you will see definite commonalities between them. Reading Jeffrey Dahmer's comments after he was convicted also supports Beck's argument.

If you are open to being challenged, you can test the argument in this book on yourself and others. This method of understanding prejudice, hostility, hatred and violence can be applied very easily.

I have used this system when debating contentious subjects with others to great affect. Using this method reveals a great deal about belief systems and patterns of thinking. It also allows for a greater deal of tolerance between opposing social, political and religious groups.

Overall, a highly enojoyable read, unlike most popular psychology books this one offers a system you can easily use in your day to day life to understand the motivations of others.

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